Subject
Pride and vanity -- Juvenile fiction Books
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Cinderella : $b or, The little glass slipper
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Helen Bannerman
The Story of Little Black Sambo, and The Story of Little Black Mingo
"The Story of Little Black Sambo, and The Story of Little Black Mingo" by Helen Bannerman is a children's book written and illustrated in 1899. When young Sambo encounters four hungry tigers during a walk, he must surrender his colorful new clothes and umbrella to save himself. But the vain tigers' argument leads to an unexpected transformation. Once celebrated as featuring one of the first Black heroes in children's literature, the book later became controversial due to racial stereotypes in its illustrations and character names, prompting numerous revised editions.
Helen Bannerman
Little Black Sambo
"Little Black Sambo" by Helen Bannerman is a children's storybook written during the early 20th century. The book centers around a little black boy named Sambo and his adventures in the jungle, where he encounters various tigers. Its narrative explores themes of cleverness, resourcefulness, and ultimately, the consequences of pride. The story follows Little Black Sambo, who, while adorned in his fine clothes crafted by his parents, meets several tigers in the jungle who intend to eat him. In a clever turn of events, Sambo offers each tiger his clothing in exchange for his freedom. Eventually, a commotion ensues among the tigers, who begin to fight over their newfound pride in their appearances. This chaos leads to their humorous demise, leaving behind a pool of melted butter, which Sambo's father collects to make pancakes. The story ends with the family enjoying a feast, underscoring themes of clever negotiation and familial love.
George MacDonald
A Double Story
"A Double Story" by George MacDonald is a fairy tale novel first published in 1875. Two girls born on the same day—Princess Rosamond and shepherd's daughter Agnes—are ruined by their parents' poor parenting, growing into insufferable tyrants. A mysterious Wise Woman intervenes, stealing each girl away to teach them difficult lessons about their true selves through magical mirrors, trials, and discipline. But while one child learns humility and transformation, the other conceals her faults beneath obedience, leading to vastly different fates in this parable about wisdom and self-knowledge.
A. L. O. E.
Flora
"Flora" by A. L. O. E. is a fictional work written in the mid-19th century. The novel introduces readers to Flora and her cousin Ada Murray as they navigate the contrasting lifestyles of rural and urban life. Themes of societal expectations, self-deception, and the pursuit of internal and external validation are examined through Flora's character, who grapples with her secluded country existence and her yearning for a more vibrant social life. At the start of the story, we witness Flora and Ada's conversation about rural life, revealing Flora's deep-seated affection for her surroundings and the simplicity it brings, contrasted with Ada’s impatience for the life of socialites in London. Their discussions touch upon Flora's modest social circle, the charitable work her family has done to uplift their village, and her own reflections on faith and self-righteousness. The opening chapters set the stage for Flora's inner struggles, her longing for excitement, and her eventual entanglement with her cosmopolitan cousin's world, as she prepares for greater challenges that will test her character and moral convictions.
A. L. O. E.
Pride and His Prisoners
"Pride and His Prisoners" by A. L. O. E. is a fictional work written in the mid-19th century. The narrative delves into themes of pride, temptation, and the duality of human character, personified through the spirits of Pride and Intemperance. The story unfolds against a backdrop of a decaying castle and a pastoral setting, introducing characters such as the disinherited Timon Bardon and the virtuous Ida Aumerle, setting the stage for moral and spiritual struggles. The opening of the book paints a vivid picture of the contrast between the vibrant beauty of nature and the decaying Nettleby Tower, symbolizing lost honor and pride's destructive legacy. As the spirits of Pride and Intemperance observe the lives of various characters, they debate their influence over human hearts. We are introduced to Ida Aumerle, a character of virtue who resists their temptations, while her father, the bitter Dr. Bardon, grapples with his disinheritance and pride in his own way. The dynamic between the spirits sets up a compelling allegory, as readers are invited to reflect on their own struggles with pride and conscience, making the narrative both a moral exploration and a character-driven story.
L. T. Meade
A World of Girls: The Story of a School
"A World of Girls: The Story of a School" by L.T. Meade is a children's novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around a young girl, Hester Thornton, as she faces the challenges of leaving her home and entering a new school environment after the death of her mother. Themes of friendship, personal growth, and the difficulties of adapting to change are likely explored through the interactions between Hester and her fellow students. The opening of the narrative introduces Hester as she prepares to leave her beloved home and younger sister, Nan, for the uncertainty of school life. The initial chapters highlight Hester's emotional turmoil, her attachment to her family, particularly to her baby sister, and her apprehension about the school, which she perceives as a prison. As she travels to Lavender House, the school, Hester encounters a mix of kindness and indifference from new acquaintances, setting the stage for her internal struggles and external relationships. This establishes a poignant exploration of her character and the challenges she must navigate in this new world.
Eglanton Thorne
Her own way
"Her Own Way" by Eglanton Thorne is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Juliet Tracy, a headstrong and defiant young woman from a modest background who struggles to find her place in a world governed by societal expectations. As her older sisters, Hannah and Salome, seek to instill in her a sense of duty and propriety, Juliet's impulsive nature and desire for independence lead her towards a potentially troublesome friendship with the unconventional Flossie Chalcombe. The opening of the book introduces the Tracy family dynamic, highlighting the tensions between Juliet and her sisters, who are more responsible and conservative in their views. Mrs. Tracy appears caught between her affection for her daughter's free-spirited nature and the societal pressures that dictate how a young woman should behave. As Juliet arrives home late after spending time with Flossie, the narrative showcases her charm and recklessness, leading to conflicts within the household. The reader is set up to witness Juliet's journey, her defiance against her sisters' expectations, and the ensuing consequences of her actions, particularly as she faces the prospect of becoming a governess against her will.
Lucy Ellen Guernsey
Straight forward; or, walking in the light : $b a story for school girls of all ages
"Straight Forward; or, Walking in the Light" by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a story for school girls written in the mid-19th century. The narrative focuses on the lives of young female students at a boarding school, particularly the character of Emily Arlington, who grapples with social pressures, financial challenges, and moral dilemmas. The book likely addresses themes of friendship, integrity, and the importance of cultivating strong principles amid temptations and distractions. The opening of the story introduces us to Emily Arlington and her friends during a shopping excursion. Emily's financial restraint contrasts sharply with her peers, who showcase a more careless attitude towards money, leading her to feel pressured in their company. As the narrative unfolds, we learn about Emily's background, her struggles with newfound independence, and her interactions with various characters, including her roommate Delia Mason, who exhibits a bold and manipulative demeanor. The scene sets the tone for Emily's internal conflicts over money and morality, suggesting that her journey will revolve around navigating the trials of adolescence while maintaining her values.
Harry Castlemon
Tom Newcombe; Or, the Boy of Bad Habits
"Tom Newcombe; Or, the Boy of Bad Habits" by Harry Castlemon is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Tom Newcombe, a fourteen-year-old boy from a wealthy family who struggles with numerous bad habits and a discontented attitude despite having every material comfort available to him. As he contemplates his future, Tom frequently shifts his ambitions between various careers, most prominently a life at sea, indicating a deep-seated yearning for adventure overlayed with his aversion to the hard work that accompanies it. The opening of the book introduces us to Tom, lounging in his yard and lamenting his lack of good fortune, which he largely attributes to his inability to focus or apply himself. Although his father, a successful ship owner, has provided him with every conceivable luxury, Tom's careless habits make him increasingly unhappy and lead to struggles with academia. Despite his grand dreams of becoming a sailor, his father's insistence on education stands as a barrier. After persistent pleading, Tom eventually secures grudging permission to go to sea on one of his father's ships. However, he quickly discovers that the reality of ship life is markedly different from his romantic notions, fraught with hard labor and bullying from the crew, setting the stage for a lesson in humility and responsibility.
Abby Morton Diaz
The entertaining story of King Brondé, his Lily and his Rosebud
"The Entertaining Story of King Brondé, His Lily and His Rosebud" by Abby Morton Diaz is a fictional narrative likely written in the late 19th century. This enchanting tale unfolds in a kingdom filled with magic, featuring the noble King Brondé, his beautiful queen known as the Lily Queen, and their youngest daughter, Rosebud. The story traverses themes of love, bravery, and the contrast between beauty and wisdom as the characters navigate their enchanting yet perilous world. The opening of the story introduces readers to a rich tapestry of life within King Brondé's palace, highlighting his queen's delicate beauty and emotional depths. It begins with a captivating description of a glorious castle and the royal family, especially focusing on the Pale Lady, who is the queen and gives birth to the youngest princess, Rosebud. The narrative quickly delves into the queen's intricate wish for her child, turning the tale toward the balance of beauty and true love, as she calls on a fairy to bestow blessings upon her daughters. The contrast between the eldest princesses' gifts of beauty and wisdom sets the stage for deeper conflicts, hinting at significant challenges that await the royal family in their magical world.
Anna Chapin Ray
Half a dozen boys : $b An every-day story
"Half a Dozen Boys: An Every-Day Story" by Anna Chapin Ray is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the lives of six boys, primarily focusing on their everyday experiences and challenges as they navigate childhood, friendship, and personal hardships. The narrative begins with the introduction of characters like Rob and Fred, setting the stage for their adventures and emotional growth. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the backdrop of a New England town and the warm, communal interactions of its youth. The opening scene takes place in a church, where Rob is concerned about his friend Fred, who is struggling with sight loss after an illness. As conversations unfold between Rob and his cousin Bess, we learn about Fred's condition and the impact of his blindness on his relationships with the other boys. Bess, determined to support Fred, expresses her commitment to help him cope during his difficult transition, laying the groundwork for the themes of friendship and resilience that will resonate throughout the novel.
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